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Education paraprofessional salary
Average education paraprofessional salary
$14.98
Understanding the Education Paraprofessional Salary
The role of education paraprofessionals is vital in classrooms across the United States. As of October 2025, the average salary for an education paraprofessional stands at approximately $31,158 per year. This figure translates to about $15 per hour, although actual earnings can fluctuate based on various factors.
Salary variations occur due to differences in location, experience, and the specific educational environment. For example, paraprofessionals in urban areas may earn more than those in rural settings. Additionally, states like California and New York tend to offer higher salaries.
Average Salaries by State
On a state level, the salary can range significantly. For instance, states such as New Jersey and Massachusetts report higher averages due to their cost of living and funding for education. Conversely, states with a lower cost of living may provide lower salaries. Understanding these factors can help prospective paraprofessionals make informed career decisions.
Job Opportunities and Growth
Many paraprofessionals find opportunities for advancement within the education sector, often transitioning into teaching roles or specialized support positions. Continued education and gaining experience can lead to increased earning potential over time. Explore job listings and career paths available in this essential field!
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Where can an Education Paraprofessional earn more?
Average education paraprofessional salary by state
The average education paraprofessional salary in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Delaware are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average education paraprofessional salary states are Louisiana, Kansas, and New Mexico.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for education paraprofessionals
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | $35,525 | $17.08 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $37,916 | $18.23 |
| 3 | New York | $35,427 | $17.03 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $33,466 | $16.09 |
| 5 | Minnesota | $32,876 | $15.81 |
| 6 | Vermont | $33,461 | $16.09 |
| 7 | Alaska | $34,098 | $16.39 |
| 8 | Rhode Island | $37,830 | $18.19 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | $31,636 | $15.21 |
| 10 | Ohio | $34,028 | $16.36 |
| 11 | Illinois | $31,213 | $15.01 |
| 12 | Oregon | $33,180 | $15.95 |
| 13 | District of Columbia | $34,162 | $16.42 |
| 14 | Maine | $32,218 | $15.49 |
| 15 | North Dakota | $32,500 | $15.63 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | $29,597 | $14.23 |
| 17 | Maryland | $30,931 | $14.87 |
| 18 | Montana | $28,814 | $13.85 |
| 19 | Tennessee | $29,985 | $14.42 |
| 20 | Washington | $32,445 | $15.60 |
| 21 | California | $33,336 | $16.03 |
| 22 | Michigan | $28,470 | $13.69 |
| 23 | Nevada | $27,835 | $13.38 |
| 24 | Oklahoma | $29,223 | $14.05 |
| 25 | Iowa | $29,144 | $14.01 |
| 26 | West Virginia | $29,782 | $14.32 |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $30,421 | $14.63 |
| 28 | Virginia | $30,117 | $14.48 |
| 29 | Arizona | $26,701 | $12.84 |
| 30 | Hawaii | $33,944 | $16.32 |
| 31 | Colorado | $28,093 | $13.51 |
| 32 | New Jersey | $27,576 | $13.26 |
| 33 | South Dakota | $28,451 | $13.68 |
| 34 | Nebraska | $26,970 | $12.97 |
| 35 | Wyoming | $25,214 | $12.12 |
| 36 | Mississippi | $27,822 | $13.38 |
| 37 | Idaho | $26,663 | $12.82 |
| 38 | North Carolina | $26,742 | $12.86 |
| 39 | Missouri | $26,414 | $12.70 |
| 40 | Utah | $26,734 | $12.85 |
| 41 | Indiana | $24,183 | $11.63 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $24,005 | $11.54 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $22,853 | $10.99 |
| 44 | Texas | $24,071 | $11.57 |
| 45 | Kansas | $23,185 | $11.15 |
| 46 | Kentucky | $24,715 | $11.88 |
| 47 | Alabama | $23,955 | $11.52 |
| 48 | Florida | $22,053 | $10.60 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $23,189 | $11.15 |
| 50 | Georgia | $22,490 | $10.81 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $22,484 | $10.81 |
Highest paying cities for education paraprofessionals
The highest-paying cities for education paraprofessionals are South San Francisco, CA, Duluth, MN, and Branford, CT.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South San Francisco, CA | $35,087 | $16.87 |
| 2 | Duluth, MN | $33,571 | $16.14 |
| 3 | Branford, CT | $33,493 | $16.10 |
| 4 | Auburn, WA | $32,564 | $15.66 |
| 5 | Rock Island, IL | $30,605 | $14.71 |
| 6 | Dubuque, IA | $29,919 | $14.38 |
| 7 | Detroit, MI | $28,531 | $13.72 |
| 8 | Greeley, CO | $28,348 | $13.63 |
| 9 | New Brunswick, NJ | $27,574 | $13.26 |
| 10 | Glendale, AZ | $26,748 | $12.86 |
| 11 | Kansas City, MO | $26,587 | $12.78 |
| 12 | Pocatello, ID | $25,956 | $12.48 |
| 13 | South Bend, IN | $25,525 | $12.27 |
| 14 | Kansas City, KS | $23,292 | $11.20 |
| 15 | Santa Fe, NM | $22,850 | $10.99 |
| 16 | Little Rock, AR | $22,274 | $10.71 |
Education paraprofessional salary details
An education paraprofessional's salary ranges from $24,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $39,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is an education paraprofessional's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $39,000 | $3,250 | $19 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,000 | $2,917 | $17 |
| Average | $31,158 | $2,597 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,000 | $2,250 | $13 |
| 10th Percentile | $24,000 | $2,000 | $12 |
Highest paying education paraprofessional jobs
The highest paying types of education paraprofessionals are special education teacher, special educator, and esl teacher.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-K Teacher | $40,301 | $3,358 | $19.38 | 60,464 |
| ESL Teacher | $52,701 | $4,392 | $25.34 | 63,897 |
| Classroom Aide | $28,832 | $2,403 | $13.86 | 71,960 |
| Teacher/Tutor | $42,955 | $3,580 | $20.65 | 68,441 |
| Head Start Teacher | $33,865 | $2,822 | $16.28 | 67,747 |
| Substitute Teacher | $32,904 | $2,742 | $15.82 | 69,292 |
How would you rate the starting salaries for education paraprofessionals, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Patricia Rogan Ph.D.
Professor, Special Education/Urban Teacher Education, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Top companies hiring education paraprofessionals now:
Which companies pay education paraprofessionals the most?
Education paraprofessional salaries at Boston Public Schools and Gateway Unified School District are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average education paraprofessional salary at companies like Santa Barbara County Education Office and Brea Olinda Unified School District are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston Public Schools | $49,827 | $23.96 |
| 2 | Gateway Unified School District | $36,542 | $17.57 |
| 3 | Santa Barbara County Education Office | $36,366 | $17.48 |
| 4 | Brea Olinda Unified School District | $35,992 | $17.30 |
| 5 | North Monterey County Unified School District | $35,919 | $17.27 |
| 6 | Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 | $35,849 | $17.24 |
| 7 | Jefferson Elementary School District | $35,587 | $17.11 |
| 8 | Distinctive Schools | $35,310 | $16.98 |
| 9 | Aspen School District | $35,206 | $16.93 |
| 10 | Joliet Schools 86 | $35,127 | $16.89 |
| 11 | Sunrise Elementary School | $34,663 | $16.66 |
| 12 | Edina Public Schools | $33,720 | $16.21 |
| 13 | Denver Public Schools | $33,689 | $16.20 |
| 14 | Tehachapi Unified School District | $33,514 | $16.11 |
| 15 | Omaha Public Schools | $33,451 | $16.08 |
| 16 | South Washington County Schools | $33,364 | $16.04 |
| 17 | UP Education Network | $33,232 | $15.98 |
| 18 | The Foundation for Hispanic Education | $33,140 | $15.93 |
| 19 | Legacy Traditional Schools | $33,100 | $15.91 |
| 20 | Grandville Public Schools | $33,065 | $15.90 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Education paraprofessional salary trends
The average education paraprofessional salary has risen by $5,720 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average education paraprofessional earned $25,438 annually, but today, they earn $31,158 a year. That works out to a 14% change in pay for education paraprofessionals over the last decade.
Compare education paraprofessional salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average education paraprofessional salary over time
Compare education paraprofessional salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Education paraprofessional salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $31,200 | $14.98 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $30,100 | $14.47 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $29,100 | $13.99 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $28,300 | $13.62 | +3.2% |
| 2022 | $27,400 | $13.18 | +2.0% |
Recently added education paraprofessional salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teton County School District #1 | Special Education Paraprofessional | Jackson, WY | 06/30/2025 | $50,046 |
| Santa Fe College | Paraprofessional, SF Academy of Science and Technology | Gainesville, FL | 06/30/2025 | $33,997 |
| ATC Group Services | Paraprofessional Educator | Tinley Park, IL | 06/29/2025 | $45,914 |
| Everett School District | Extended School Year Paraprofessional | Everett, MA | 06/29/2025 | $83,480 |
| People Sustaining Kings Valley | Middle School/High School Paraprofessional | Philomath, OR | 06/29/2025 | $34,436 |
| Caledonia Community School District | Paraprofessional Junior General Education | Caledonia, MI | 06/28/2025 | $32,933 |
| New Story Schools | Paraprofessional-Special Education & Behavioral Support | Reading, PA | 06/28/2025 | $39,653 |
| McKenzie County 1 School District | Special Education Paraprofessional | Nome, ND | 06/28/2025 | $37,566 |
| Learn Behavioral | School-Based Paraprofessional | Inglewood, CA | 06/27/2025 | $41,740 |
| Capital Area Intermediate Unit | Educational Paraprofessional-Diagnostic Program | Mechanicsburg, PA | 06/27/2025 | $38,088 |
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